Agreement outlines pipeline for community college students to earn post-baccalaureate degrees
Edinboro University and Erie County Community College of Pennsylvania (ECCCPA) signed an articulation agreement Monday that creates the public-to-public connection, which will enable students to easily transfer from the community college to Edinboro.
Dr. Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson, interim president of Edinboro University, and Dr. Judith Gay, interim president of ECCC, signed the agreement – creating a seamless path for students interested in starting at the community college and continuing their education at Edinboro.
“The public-to-public partnerships are the most affordable and accessible path to higher education and socio-economic mobility,” said Dr. Gay, former vice president for strategic initiatives and chief of staff for the Community College of Philadelphia. “Post-secondary education and training are so important, not only to the students themselves, but to the communities they go on to serve. We are delighted to partner with Edinboro University to create pathways to these opportunities for Erie County residents.”
Representatives from both institutions – as well as local and statewide government and organizational leaders – gathered in Edinboro’s Reeder Hall for the signing ceremony. Dr. Michael Hannan, Edinboro’s provost and vice president for academic affairs, joined Drs. Pehrsson and Gay to provide remarks.
The agreement is designed for full-time students to spend two years at ECCCPA, with part-time students completing the equivalent of two years. Following their ECCCPA experience, students will transfer to Edinboro for the remaining two academic years – or four full-time equivalent semesters.
“Together, we have the potential to break through academic, financial and other barriers and reach the individuals in the community who most need access to an affordable college education,” Dr. Pehrsson said. “Transformational experiences and life-changing learning opportunities have been a hallmark of Edinboro University since its founding in 1857 by local citizens who sought a higher level of education for their children. This important partnership will allow us to work together to propel students to new levels of success and enhance the quality of life locally, regionally and beyond.”
Under the agreement, Edinboro University and ECCPA officials will review admissions eligibility and grant acceptance to students. The schools will jointly create a Seamless Transfer Pathway to eliminate hurdles and barriers to admissions, credit transfer and time to degree.
Students interested in participating in this pipeline must enroll in either associate of arts or science degrees when enrolled at ECCCPA. Edinboro requires a minimum of 2.0 cumulative GPA and good academic and disciplinary standing to transfer to the University.
Both institutions will coordinate their academic planning and advising to provide pre-admission, transitioning, and enrollment support to ECCCPA students interested in transferring to Edinboro University.
Additionally, federal and state financial aid – along with institutional scholarships – will be administered by the student’s “home” campus. Upon transferring to Edinboro, students will be notified by Edinboro University’s Office of Admissions if they are eligible for any academic scholarships.
For more information about both institutions, visit Edinboro University’s website at https://www.edinboro.edu and ECCCPA’s website at https://ecccpa.org.
